Repairs could see Northampton park’s lodge become meeting rooms

Nick Spoors

A lodge house at the entrance to a Northampton park could be brought into public use.

Northampton Borough Council has submitted plans to upgrade Delapre Lodge, which sits just off London Road, in front of Delapre Park.

It will clear the way for internal repairs “in order to provide new facilities and meeting rooms”.

As far as the external repairs are concerned, the slate roof will be fixed, the stone will be cleaned, repointing will be carried out and security shutters to windows and doors will be covered to improve the appearance.

A council officers report, which recommends its approval, says: “The works are required to arrest sources of decay and deterioration prior to looking at long-term plans for the re-use of the building.

“[The work would] make the building weather-tight and improve the appearance of the lodge, which is falling into disrepair.

“[They} would assist in enhancing and preserving this heritage asset and enable the council to continue to seek an optimum viable use of the building to further secure its preservation.

“[It would also] further enhance the setting of listed buildings

within Delapre Park and the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.”